The PVPP Castellamare del Golfo project is a utility-scale, grid-connected photovoltaic power plant with an installed DC capacity of approximately 19.80 MWp and a nominal AC capacity of 16.50 MWac, located in the Buseto Palizzolo area in Sicily, Italy.
The project has been developed to generate renewable electricity through a bifacial photovoltaic system connected to the Italian electricity grid. The preliminary engineering package includes the photovoltaic field, internal roads, electrical trenches, medium-voltage collection system, transformer stations, project substation and the external grid connection infrastructure.
The selected configuration consists of 32,452 LONGi Solar LR7-72HGD-610M bifacial monocrystalline photovoltaic modules, each rated at 610 Wp. The selected module has an efficiency of approximately 22.58%, a bifaciality factor of 80% and a maximum system voltage of 1,500 V.
The modules are mounted on fixed, ground-mounted metallic structures arranged in a 2P portrait configuration. The design consists of approximately 579 structures accommodating two strings each, together with one shorter structure accommodating one string. The preliminary configuration uses a tilt angle of 25°, an azimuth of 0°, an inter-row pitch of 7.85 m, a minimum ground clearance of approximately 0.50 m and a Ground Coverage Ratio of approximately 55%.
The DC power generated by the photovoltaic field is collected through string combiner boxes and converted into alternating current through 15 Sungrow SG1100UD central inverters, each with a nominal capacity of 1,100 kVA. The inverters operate at an output voltage of 630 V and are equipped with maximum power point tracking, grid protection and plant-monitoring functions.
The plant includes five power stations, each accommodating three central inverters and one 3.3 MVA two-winding transformer. The transformation ratio is 0.63/20 kV, enabling the collection and transmission of the generated power through the plant’s internal medium-voltage network.
The external grid connection concept includes a project substation equipped with an approximately 20 MVA, 66/20 kV power transformer, medium- and high-voltage switchgear and an overhead connection line with an indicative route length of approximately 7.8 km. The preliminary Bill of Quantities includes 67 overhead-line towers, phase conductors and an OPGW earth and communication cable. These quantities remain subject to confirmation during detailed grid-connection engineering.
The photovoltaic plant occupies two principal land areas. The gross plot area is approximately 36.76 ha, while the suitable area remaining after excluding restricted zones is approximately 34.26 ha, equivalent to approximately 342,600 m². Four restricted areas and a dedicated substation area have been incorporated into the preliminary layout.
